Amidst the windsocks, ceramics, jewelry, copper art and sculptures at last year’s LiveArts Bothell festival, Peter Jensen displayed his artwork of what he called, “Barns, Boats and Lighthouses.” Particularly eye-catching was his painting of the red Silvana Barn with its worn roof. I found myself staring at it.
“To us, it’s a beaucolic scene; to the farmer, it’s his livelihood,” said Peter, putting the painting of the weathered barn into perspective.
Jensen uses gouache in his works, which has the appearance of a rich watercolor. He also makes prints from his paintings and drawings. A retired art teacher, Jensen taught for 20 years at Everett High. He’s also been a history buff as long as he’s been a painter — since childhood! And, he performs in the annual Civil War reenactment.
I admired Jensen’s paintings for a long time, which was the first booth I came to. I knew it would be an exhilarating day at this summer festival.
The annual summer fair — set for June 27-28 this year — showcases visual and performing arts and there are plenty of food vendors, so families and friends can “hang out” the entire day. The all-volunteer staff puts on an event, equal to and surpassing any art show I’ve ever been to. The lovely location of The Park at Bothell Landing is ideal and the cost is right — it’s free! What’s neat is that not only is the festival fun for all ages, but the goal is to establish an endowment for arts and scholarships for youths in our community.
This year, the Northwest Arts Alliance (formerly Best of the Northwest) show at Magnuson Park will be held the same weekend as our LiveArts festival.
“Both festivals are on the Burke-Gilman Trail, and bicycle clubs on the Eastside, Northshore and North Seattle will participate in an Art Ride to visit both shows in one day,” says Lisa Havens, co-director for marketing and performing artists for Forte Communications.
Bring the family to Bothell Landing, via bicycle, foot or vehicle from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to browse the exhibits, to play in this year’s new Children’s Corner, and to enjoy the talents of magicians, a karate exhibition, and several local bluegrass, swing and marimba bands. The entertainment schedule looks like this:
• Saturday —
10 a.m., Evergreen Karate
11 a.m., Tim Hart Magic Show
Noon, Ceda Steel Drum Band
2 p.m., Canyon Park Junior High Marimba Band
4 p.m., Not Easily Broken Bluegrass
6 p.m. Joe Daddy O Swing Band
• Sunday —
10 a.m., Havens Standards and Pop Tunes
Noon, Hot Dish
2 p.m., Panda Conspiracy
4 p.m. Brass Quintet
See you at the festival!
Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.
